Germany adds asset disclosure form for basic security benefit renewals

Effective 1 July 2026, Germany’s basic security benefit (Grundsicherung, formerly Bürgergeld) will require claimants to submit an additional form called “Anlage VM”. The form is a self‑declaration of the assets of the entire household, including property, vehicles, savings and foreign assets. The requirement applies to all new renewal applications after the date; recipients whose current benefit period began before 1 July 2026 are not affected until the next renewal.

If the Anlage VM is incomplete or missing, the job centre may request further information, delay processing, or even reject or reduce the renewal payment. A second change removes the downloadable PDF for reporting changes in income, residence or household size; such updates must now be made online or by requesting the form from the local job centre. Applicants are advised to gather documents such as bank statements, vehicle papers, property details and insurance information well before the renewal deadline to avoid interruptions in benefit payments.